Label coder attachment



May 16, 1950 F. c. WORTH LABEL coDER ATTACHMENT Filed Jan. 19, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet l m wm, M T

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Franc/'5 C. Worth IN V EN TUR.

May 16, 1950 F. c. WORTH 2,507,658

LABEL CODER ATTACHMENT F rane/'s C. Worth INVENToR.

Y @www May 16, 1950 F. c. WORTH LABEL CODER ATTACHMENT 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Jan. 19, 1948 F fonc/5 C. Worth l V INVENTOR.

, Q 0 Mwmm Patented May 16, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LABEL CODER ATTACHMENT Francis C. Worth, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application January 19, 1948, Serial No. 2,972

Claims.

This invention relates to a sheet material printing apparatus employed particularly for printing code numbers or letters on labels.

An object of this invention is to print or stamp labels with code numbers or letters in a machine, which machine includes apparatus for performing the function of lmaintaining a stack of labels at a predetermined height, lifting the top label of the stack and transporting it to a receptacle, thence pressing the label on the said receptacle.

Another purpose of this invention is similar to the aforementioned object. However, it is to utilize the label printing or stamping operation in existing machines also including the step of applying glue or the like to the label before application to a receptacle.

Another object of this invention is to print a label with code letters or numbers prior to its application to a receptacle, which label printing is performed by the addition of type to a conventional feeler arm of an existing machine, which arm is also untilized for regulating the lifting mechanism for maintaining the top of the stack of labels at a predetermined elevation.

Another purpose of this invention is to maintain a supply of ink or the like on the apparatus for lifting the top label of the stack and to apply a small portion of this ink supply to the type which is detachably positioned on the feeler arm.

Another object of this invention is to apply an attachment to an existing label applying machine whereby label printing may be done automatically with the label application operation, thereby obviating the necessity of coding the labels prior to placing them in the conventional machine or subsequent to the application on receptacles.

Ancillary objects and features of novelty such as simplicity in structure will become apparent in folowing the description of the preferred form of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a sectional view of one form of the invention, showing the improved portion in elevation;

Figure 2 is a sectional view, similar to that shown in Figure l, however, a different portion of the cycle of operation is illustrated;

Figure 3 is a plan View of the invention shown in Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View illustrating the drive means for the drive shaft to be subsequently described;

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view illustrating the suction plate for lifting labels and showing the ink supply and applicator;

Figure 6 is a plan view of the ramps and ink applicator utilized in association with the invention and forming a portion thereof, and;

Figure '7 is a bottom View of the feeler arm showing the type fixed thereto.

This invention relates to a device, which is capable of stamping or printing the top label of a stack of labels. Conventional machines for fixing labels to receptacles, vials, cans, bottles and the like simply perform this single function. However, it is often necessary to stamp code numbers on previously printed individual labels with the date and other pertinent indicia, which operation generally requires a separate machine. It is within the purview of the present invention to apply the label printing apparatus to conventional, existing machines, whereby an entire physical step in the operation of receptacle preparation is obviated. Of course, a prime field of utility of the present invention is in conjunction with receptacles used for pharmaceutical products. However, the device may be used in association with any type of material bearing receptacle.

There has been great difficulty in attempting to print or stamp the top label of a stack of labels due to the inherent resiliency of this stack. In the present invention this resiliency is utilized to advantage rendering the stamping operation possible. The conventional apparatus for fixing labels to receptacles in extremely complex and therefore, only those elements which are required to illustrate an operative device are shown in the drawings, the extremely complicated adjustments, relays, electrical wiring, timing devices, etc. have been omitted in order that the basic principles of the invention may not be obscured. Where an expensive, very large casting is supplied as a foundation for the operative elements of the conventional machine, the applicant has illustrated a support generally indicated at l@ and composed of a plurality of angle iron members. These angle iron members are placed wherever, it is deemed necessary to form an operative machine.

The general operation and structure of the conventional machine is as follows:

The support iii serves as a journaling member for a shaft l2 which is received in suitable, conventional bearings l. A plurality of cams I6 and i8 respectively are secured to the said shaft i2 and the function of the said cams will be described hereinafter.

Means for oscillating the said shaft is provided. This means may be seen best in Figure 4 3 wherein a gear 2e is disclosed as being rigidly secured to the said shaft i2 and a rack gear 22 is shown communicating therewith. A guide 24 may be supplied on a selected frame member 26 for the purpose of restricting the rack 22 to reciprocable travel.

A suitable source of power is supplied (unshown) and a conventional drive such as the pulley Z8 may be journalled on a shaft 3B which is in turn `positioned in suitable bearings 32. These bearings are rigidly secured to a support member 31'). An eccentric 36 is secured to the said shaft which is driven by the said pulley 28 and a cam follower 3 is supplied on the rack- 22, being engageable with the periphery of the eccentric or cam 35. Through this construction the shaft l2 is actuated in ever reversing; directions.

An arm t@ is secured to the shaft I2 and has bends therein, This arm is received in a suitable slot within a link it which is journalled in a guide positioned in a cross member :3E of the support itl. Upon oscillatory movement of the shaft l2, the arm it raised and lowered, thereby lifting the link :l2 selectively up and down. A receptacle engaging member il is supplied at the terminal portion of the link l2 and is adapted to press a label on the surface of a receptacle 43 which is received on a support i). As is conventional, the receptacle i8 is one of many which f;

is positioned on an endless conveyor.

A rail 52 extending longitudinally of the said support Eil is provided with a slide or shoe 54 which is connected therewith by a tongue and groove, dovetail or the like construction. A dovetail slot 55 is formed in the shoe 513, for receiving a complementally configured plate 58.

Means for periodically sliding the shoe 5ft longi tudinally of the rail 52' is provided. This consists of the cam or eccentric |18 which is secured to the shaft EE. As the shaft oscillates, it carries the eccentric l5, which, in turn, carries a push rod G, the push rod Sii being pivoted thereto. The terminal portion of the push rod is fork-shaped and engages a. pin S2, which is positioned between the tines of the fork or fork-shaped `portion. A pin 6d extends through the said push rod 60 and is journalled in the aforementioned shoe 54. Through the medium of this pin 6d, the shoe is urged selectively down and up the rail ing this movement, the plate 5B is also raised and lowered due to the arcuate movement of the pin 62 about the said pin SLI.

A suction head SG is secured to the plate 58. An upper plate is interposed between the terminal of the said dovetail plate 58 and the suction head Ge and have a suction hose l) secured thereto. Of course, a suitable pump is utilized in association with the suction hose 'itl as a vacuum producing means. It is readilyV apparent now that suction means for lifting the top label of a stack of labels '.'2 is provided and has a motion such that the top label may be removed from the stack to the receptacle @-8.

Means for maintaining the stack of labels l2 and for supporting the stack is provided. The cam SE is utilized as a source of power for this movement. A bell crank lil is pivotally journalled through the medium of a pin '.'extending through and journailed in the said rail 52. One end of the bell crank i4 contains a cam followerV 'El engaging the said cam it while the other end is cifurcated, the bifurcations being indicated at 53.

A feeler arm 3B, right angular in configuration,

is journalled in a slide 84 which is secured to the rail 52. A pin 86 is secured to the said feeler arm adjacent one end thereof and is engageable between the bifurcations 18. Upon oscillatory movement of the shaft |2, the bell crank 14 is pivoted about the pin 16, thereby raising and lowering the feeler arm a predetermined amount.

A swinging arm 81 is pivoted by any suitable means to the support I0 andhas a dog 88 pivoted at one end thereof. This dog engages the teeth of a ratchet gear 9G journalled in the support lil. A gear 92 is rigidly secured to the said ratchet gear and is engageable with the teeth of a rack gear 94. The rack gear 94 is slidably positioned in a guide 9S which is secured to the support lll. A platform 98' is positioned at one terminal of the rack gear 94 and it is thereupon that the stack of labels T2 seats.

A bracket |90 is secured to the bell crank 14 and has an adjustment screw |62 positioned therein. This adjustment screw engages the swinging arm 8l upon movement of the bell crank lll. The feeler arm 89'. reciprocates due to the movement of and influenced by the movement of the bell crank 41 The top label of the stack of labelsy restricts the travel or limits the travel of the movement of the feeler arm. When this stack of labels decreases a predetermined amount, the swinging arm 81. is engaged by the adjustable screw H32, thereby lifting the stack a distance equal to an amount commensurate with the size of one tooth. of the said ratchet gear S9.

Referring now to Figures 5, 6 and '7, itwill be noted that the feeler arm isprovided with a head l-ilfwhich is detachably secured at the end there ofY by. means of a suitable screw |26 or. the like. A row of` print |33. is provided in the head |04 and this row of printA engages the top label. of the stack of labels 'F2 for the purpose of regulating the height ofthe labels. Also, this row of print actually prints or stamps the top label.

Theplate 63 isprovided with a pair of ramps ||0 and ||2f respectively. whereon the edges of the said head |04.` slide during a portion of a single cycle of' operation of the device, Juxtaposedrelative to the saidpair of ramps isa roller IM.. which. may be positioned over any pad, well or the like. A small amountof ink is picked up by theroller upon. rotation thereof, which smallY portion is transferred to the line of type in. the head Ifl. The roller ||4 is provided with rollers:v lll? and H8. respectively. which flank the roller lill. and all of the rollers are journalled on a suitable shaft. |26. which is received in conventional brackets |22 on the plate 22. It is noted at this point that the ink supplyv is received on the vacuum or suction producing plate ele ments in order that the type mayY be supplied with ink while the suction producing means is raising the top. layer. of the stack of labels l'.

Also, the supply of Vinkis removed when the feeler arm is performing its operation and also when the feeler arm is being utilized to print the top layer. of the stack of labels.

In order tobias the arm 8l. for effective operation. of the dog.y or pawl 88', a tension spring |39 is secured thereto and the shaftS; This spring constantly. urges. the arm 8l in the proper direction.

In certain types of. machines the label is supplied` with` muclage or glue before being fixed tothereceptaclei This operation may be performed: by simply supplying a. quantity of: glue in an applicator in the path of travel of the label retaining and transporting head 66.

It is apparent that variations may be made Without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1` A label printing machine including a support, a shaft in said support, a rack slidably secured to said support for supporting a stack consisting of a plurality of labels, means for periodically raising said rack associated with said shaft and said rack, said raising means including a feeler arm slidably secured to said support, a cam on said shaft and a crank pivoted to said support engaging said cam and secured to said for periodically applying ink to the printing means including a shoe slidably mounted on the support and having said suction head secured thereto, a ramp secured to said shoe, and an ink applicator mounted on said plate adjacent said ramp.

2. An apparatus for printing code numbers and letters on labels and attaching them to receptacles comprising a support, a shaft having cams journaled in said support, a rack for supporting a stack of labels, means for raising said rack including a feeler arm slidably mounted in said support, a crank engaging one of said cams and rocked thereby, means connecting said crank and said feeler arm for reciprocating said feeler arm, means for raising said rack responsive to and rendered operative upon a predetermined travel 0f said feeler arm, means for periodically lifting a label and depositing the label on a receptacle, said lifting means having means associated therewith slidably mounting said lifting means on said support, means including type mounted on said feeler arm for printing the top label on the rack, means for applying ink to said coding means including an ink applying member secured to said label lifting means, and said ink applying member having a ramp in advance thereof to guide said feeler arm and said type on said member.

3. In an apparatus for printing code markings on a stack of labels and for moving the printed top label of the stack for deposit on a receptacle, which apparatus includes means for periodically lifting the stack of labels in response to depletion of the stack, an attachment comprising a feeler arm with means `for reciprocating the feeler arm, a suction head to lift the top label of the stack of labels and to deposit it on the receptacle, said feeler arm having a printing head, and means carried by the suction head for applying ink to the printing head.

4. In an apparatus for printing code markings on a stack of labels and for moving the printed top label of the stack for deposit on a receptacle, which apparatus includes means for periodically lifting the stack of labels in response to depletion of the stack, an attachment comprising a feeler arm with means for reciprocating the feeler arm, a suction head to lift the top label of the stack of labels and to deposit it on the receptacle, said feeler arm having a printing head, and means carried by the suction head for applying ink to the printing head including an ink applicator member secured to said suction head, and a ramp secured to said suction head to guide the printing head on the ink applicator member.

5. In a label printing apparatus which includes a support with a crank mounted on said support and a feeler arm mounted for reciprocatory movement on the support, means operatively connecting said crank and said feeler arm so that the crank operates said feeler arm in the reciprocatory movement, means for supporting a stack of labels in the travel of said feeler arin together with means for periodically raising the foregoing means to maintain the top of the stack of labels raised, a shoe displaceably mounted on said support and movable from a position over said stack of labels to a position over a device for supporting a receptacle, a suction head secured to said feeler arm for picking up the top label of the stack and depositing it on the receptacle, and said feeler arm having type carried thereby and means for applying ink to the type carried by said suction head and engageable with said type.

FRANCIS C. WORTH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS- Number Name Date 2,215,085 Schnitchen Sept. 17, 1940 2,227,816 Von Hofe Jan. 7, 1941 

